Leak-proof slider assembly

ABSTRACT

A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure that includes a first closure profile and a second closure profile that interlock to form a leak-proof barrier. The slider assembly may be opened and closed manually without a slider or may be opened and closed with a slider. The leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may include a parking area that the slider may be positioned in when the first and second closure profiles are interlocked forming a leak-proof barrier. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closure profile or the second closure profile. In other embodiments, the parking area is on both the first and second closure profiles.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description generally relates to a re-sealable leak-proof sliderassembly that may be attached to or otherwise integral to an enclosurehaving an entrance with a slider that opens and closes the entrance.

BACKGROUND

Many current enclosures utilize a slider to open and close an entrancecorresponding thereto to provide leak-resistance, i.e. not leak-proofperformance. In this regard, there continues to be a need forimprovements in the area of leak-proof enclosures. More particularly,there continues to be a need for improvements in how the slider engagesthe entrance of the enclosure and the configuration of the entranceitself.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to aleak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure.

In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealableleak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a lengthpositioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also asecond closure profile having a length positioned between the first andsecond end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closuremember, a second closure member, a channel between the first and secondclosure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, aguide member below the second closure member, and a channel between thesecond closure member and the guide member. The second closure profilemay include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channelbetween the first and second closure members of the second closureprofile, a guide member above the first closure member of the secondclosure profile, a channel between the first closure member and theguide member of the second closure profile, and a shoulder member abovethe guide member of the second closure profile. The leak-proof sliderassembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure may also include aparking area positioned between the first and second end stops. In someembodiments, the parking area is only on either the first closureprofile or the second closure profile. In one embodiment, the parkingarea may be a notch that either includes a reduction in width of one ofthe shoulder members. In another embodiment, the parking area may be avoid space in the first closure profile or the second closure profilethat does not interfere with any closure members. In a closed state, thefirst and second profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proofseal. In an open state, a portion of the first and second profiles isnot interlocked.

In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealableleak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a lengthpositioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also asecond closure profile having a length positioned between the first andsecond end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closuremember, a second closure member, a channel between the first and secondclosure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, aguide member below the second closure member, and a channel between thesecond closure member and the guide member. The second closure profilemay include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channelbetween the first and second closure members of the second closureprofile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of thesecond closure profile. In a closed state the first and second closureprofiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal. In oneembodiment, in the closed state, the first and second closure members ofthe first closure profile may be positioned in the channel between thefirst and second closure members of the second closure profile, and thesecond closure member may be positioned in the channel between thesecond closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile.In an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles isnot interlocked.

In some embodiments, a leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealableleak-proof enclosure may include a first closure profile having a lengthpositioned between a first end stop and a second end stop and also asecond closure profile having a length positioned between the first andsecond end stops. The first closure profile may include a first closuremember, a second closure member, a channel between the first and secondclosure members, a shoulder member above the first closure member, aguide member below the second closure member, and a channel between thesecond closure member and the guide member. The second closure profilemay include a first closure member, a second closure member, a channelbetween the first and second closure members of the second closureprofile, and a shoulder member above the first closure member of thesecond closure profile. In a closed state the first and second closureprofiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal. Theleak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealable leak-proof enclosure mayalso include a parking area positioned between the first and second endstops. In some embodiments, the parking area is only on either the firstclosure profile or the second closure profile. In one embodiment, theparking area may be a notch that either includes a reduction in width ofone of the shoulder members. In another embodiment, the parking areaincludes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closureprofile that does not interfere with any closure members. In oneembodiment, in the closed state, the first and second closure members ofthe first closure profile may be positioned in the channel between thefirst and second closure members of the second closure profile, and thesecond closure member may be positioned in the channel between thesecond closure member and the guide member of the first closure profile.In an open state, a portion of the first and second closure profiles isnot interlocked.

The foregoing summary does not encompass the claimed invention in itsentirety, nor are the embodiments intended to be limiting. Rather, theembodiments are provided as mere examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a leak-proofenclosure.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of the parking areashown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of a slider shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the slider shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the slider shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of closure profilescorresponding to the leak-proof enclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of closureprofiles corresponding to the leak-proof enclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denotelike or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, moreparticularly to FIGS. 1-4, there are shown various embodiments of aleak-proof enclosure.

More specifically, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of anenclosure 100 with an entrance 102 to an internal void space that mayhave a fixed or variable volume. The entrance 102 may be opened andclosed by moving the slider 103. In the embodiment shown, the enclosure100 is a flexible bag that has a first flexible sidewall 104 and asecond flexible sidewall 106. In the embodiment shown, the first sidewall 104 is sealed to the second sidewall 106 at flexible bottom edge108 and flexible side edges 110 and 112. First sidewall 104 has a topportion 114 that includes a first closure profile 116 between end stops118 and 120. First closure profile 116 has an inner surface that faces asecond closure profile 124 and an outside surface. Second sidewall 106has a top portion 122 that includes the second closure profile 124between end stops 118 and 120. Second closure profile 124 has an innersurface that faces the first closure profile 116 and an outside surface.In some embodiments, the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124are attached or otherwise integral to their respective top portions 114and 122. In other embodiments, the first and second closure profiles 116and 124 are not separate components from the first and second sidewalls104 and 106. The outside surface of closure profile 116 and the outsidesurface of closure profile 124 may each include a rail 126 that at leastextends between end stops 118 and 120. In some embodiments, rails 126may extend to the flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops118 and 120.

In some embodiments, end stops 118 and 120 may be top portions 114 and122 of the side walls sealed together, such that the top portions 114and 122 come together at the end stops 118 and 120. For example, topportions 114 and 122 may be pressed together with a temperature appliedthereto resulting in the top portions 114 and 122 melting together toform the end stops 118 and 120. In the embodiment shown, both end stops118 and 120 extend the same distance from their respective side edges110 and 112. However, in other embodiments, end stops 118 and 120 mayextend different distances from their respective side edges 110 and 112.The length of the entrance 102 is directly associated with the length ofeach end stop 118 and 120. As one or more end stops 118 and 120 becomelarger in length, the length of the entrance 102 becomes smaller.

Further yet, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the first andsecond closure profiles 116 and 124 may be pressed together with atemperature applied thereto resulting in the end stops 118 and 120. Inone embodiment, the integrity of two or more closure members may be leftintact and may traverse laterally under the end stops 118 and 120.

In some embodiments, a notch or “parking area” 123 may be positioned afirst distance away from end stop 120 and a second distance away fromend stop 118. In the embodiment shown, the first distance is shorterthan the second distance. In other embodiments, the first and seconddistances may be the same or the second distance may be shorter than thefirst distance. Also in the embodiment shown, the notch includes boththe first and second closure profiles 116 and 124. In other embodiments,the notch may only include one of the first or second closure profiles116 and 124 (i.e., one of the closure profiles may be without a notch).

The parking area 123 serves as a rest region for the slider 103 todisengage or otherwise stop spreading the closure profiles 116 and 124apart when the enclosure 100 is closed. While the slider 103 operativelyengages the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124 to open andclose the enclosure 100, the user must open and close the section of thefirst and second closure profiles 116 and 124 corresponding to the firstdistance between end stop 120 and the parking area 123 without theslider 103. However, the slider 103 may be used to open and close thesection of the first and second closure profiles 116 and 124corresponding to the second distance between end stop 118 and theparking area 123. In some embodiments, the parking area 123 also enablesthe end stop 120 to be less than, equal to, or greater than the height(i.e., top edge) of the first and/or second closure profiles 116 and124. For example, the parking area 123 may prevent the slider 103 fromreaching the end stop 120, and therefore, the end stop 120 may notrequire a design to prevent the slider from being slid off the first andsecond closure profiles.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, one embodiment of a simplified parking area123 is shown. The vertical end 125 is closest to end stop 120 whereasthe angled end 127 is closest to end stop 118. In some embodiments, end125 may be angled similarly to or different from the angled end 127instead of being vertical. In other embodiments, the notch may includeone or more definable edges. For example, the notch may be a semi-circlesuch that there is a single, contiguous edge that serves as ends 125 and127 (i.e., one side of the semi-circle serves as end 125 and the otherserves as end 127). Also in some embodiments, end 127 may be vertical orbe of a different angle. In some embodiments, the end stop 120 may serveas the vertical end 125. For example, the parking area 123 may bepositioned in some embodiments so that it is immediately next to the endstop 120. The first distance may be zero or so small that there is nooperative portion of closure profiles 116 and 124 between the parkingarea 123 and the end stop 120 that the slider 103 cannot close. In suchembodiments, there would be no need to open or close any portions of theentrance 102 of the enclosure 100 without the slider 103. Otherwisestated, the user need not open and close the section of the first andsecond closure profiles 116 and 124 corresponding to the first distancebetween end stop 120 and the parking area 123 without the slider 103because there is no operative portion of closure profiles 116 and 124for the user to open and close.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A-C, one embodiment of a slider that may bemovably secured to the enclosure 100 or different embodiments thereof isdepicted. The slider 200 may be the slider 103 depicted in FIG. 1A.Slider 200 includes a top 202 with two sidewalls 204 and 206. In oneembodiment, sidewalls 204 and 206 may vertically extend from the top202, such that a 90 degree angle is formed at the juncture of the top202 and each sidewall 204 and 206. In other embodiments, sidewalls 204and 206 may vertically extend from the top 202, such that an anglegreater than or less than 90 degrees is formed at the juncture of thetop 202 and each sidewall 204 and 206. For example, in embodiments wherethe angle is less than 90 degrees, sidewalls 204 and 206 taper. An angleof less than 90 degrees would therefore allow the slider 200 to moresecurely engage the enclosure 100 due to the taper.

At the base of sidewall 204, two feet 208 a and 208 b protrude inwardlytoward sidewall 206. At the base of sidewall 206, two feet 210 a and 210b protrude therefrom inwardly toward sidewall 204. Together, feet 208 aand 210 a form a first pair of jaws 212 a whereas feet 208 b and 210 bform a second pair of jaws 212 b. Positioned on the underside of top 202is a spreader 214 that may be in the shape of an arrow or a triangle. Insome embodiments, as shown, the wide end of the spreader 214 may includea concave section 216. Also positioned on the underside of top 202 aretwo pinching members 218 a and 218 b. Pinching member 218 a protrudesfrom the top 202 extending downward therefrom and also protrudes fromsidewall 204 extending toward sidewall 206. Pinching member 218 bprotrudes from the top 202 extending downward therefrom and alsoprotrudes from sidewall 206 extending toward sidewall 204. Together,pinching members 218 a and 218 b form a pincher 218. The narrow end ofthe spreader 214 faces the pincher 218.

Similar to the slider 103 shown in FIG. 1A, the slider 200 may bemovably secured to the enclosure 100 such that it operatively engagesthe first closure profile 116 and the second closure profile 124. Morespecifically, jaws 212 a and 212 b engage the rail 126 on each closureprofile to movably secure the slider 200 to the enclosure 100. Forexample, the interaction between the rails 126 and the jaws 212 a and212 b ensure that the slider 200 may not be inadvertently removed fromthe enclosure 100 in the upward direction. The inside of top 202 ofslider 200, which abuts the tops of the first and second closureprofiles 116 and 124, likewise ensures that the slider 200 may not beremoved from the enclosure 100 in the downward direction. End stops 118and 120 ensure that the slider 200 may not be removed from the enclosure100 in either lateral direction. In embodiments employing the parkingarea 123, the vertical end 125 may serve as a redundant end stop in viewof end stop 120. In such embodiments, one end of the enclosure 100 hasone end stop (end stop 118) and the other end has to end stops (verticaledge 125 of parking area 123 and end stop 120). This provides redundantprotection to ensure that the slider 200 is not inadvertently forciblyremoved when a user closes the entrance 102 of enclosure 100.

With reference to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a first closure profile 300and a second closure profile 310 is shown. First and second closureprofiles 300 and 310 may be the first and second closure profiles 116and 124 depicted in FIG. 1A. The first closure profile 300 includes atleast two closure members 302 a and 302 b that protrude from the innersurface toward the second closure profile 310. In the embodiment shown,the at least two closure members 302 a and 302 b protrudeperpendicularly from the inner surface. The angle of protrusion may varyin other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closuremembers 302 a and 302 b may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. Inother embodiments, one or more closure members 302 a and 302 b may havea cross-sectional shape different than a hook. Between the at least twoclosure members 302 a and 302 b is a channel 304 a. Below closure member302 b is a guide member 306 a that perpendicularly protrudes from theinner surface and has a top edge that angles downward thereby forming anobtuse angle between its top edge and the inner surface.

The angle of protrusion of the guide member 306 a as well as itscross-sectional shape may vary in other embodiments. For example, insome embodiments, the guide member 306 a may protrude at an angle awayfrom the closure member 302 b. Between the closure member 302 b and theguide member 306 a is a channel 304 b. From closure member 302 a, theclosure profile 300 extends upward to form a shoulder member 308 a. Inthe embodiment shown, the shoulder member 308 a protrudes toward theclosure profile 310, which may vary depending on the width of thespreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull the closureprofiles 300 and 310 apart from an interlocked state.

The second closure profile 310 includes at least two closure members 302c and 302 d that protrude from the inner surface toward the firstclosure profile 300. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closuremembers 302 c and 302 d protrude perpendicularly from the second closureprofile 310. The angle of protrusion may vary in other embodiments. Inthe embodiment shown, the at least two closure members 302 c and 302 dmay have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In other embodiments, one ormore closure members 302 c and 302 d may have a cross-sectional shapedifferent than a hook. Between the at least two closure members 302 cand 302 d is a channel 304 c. Above closure member 302 c is a guidemember 306 b that perpendicularly protrudes from the inner surface andhas a bottom edge that angles upward thereby forming an obtuse anglebetween its bottom edge and the inner surface. The angle of protrusionof the guide member 306 b as well as its cross-sectional shape may varyin other embodiments. For example, in other embodiments, the guidemember 306 b may protrude at an angle away from the closure member 302c. Between the closure member 302 c and the guide member 306 b is achannel 304 d. From the closure member 302 c, the closure profile 310extends upward to form a shoulder member 308 b. In the embodiment shown,the shoulder member 308 b protrudes toward the closure profile 300, thedistance of which may vary depending on the width of the spreader 214and the amount of force required to pull the closure profiles 300 and310 apart from an interlocked state.

The outside surface of each closure profile 300 and 310 may also have arail 312 a and 312 b that at least extends between end stops 118 and 120(see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, rails 312 a and 312 b may extend tothe flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops 118 and 120 (seeFIG. 1A). Also in some embodiments, the rails 312 a and 312 b may be therail 126 depicted in FIG. 1A.

Together, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 depicted inFIG. 3 have an open position and a closed position. In the openposition, the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 do notengage or otherwise interlock each other. In the closed position, thefirst and second closure profiles 300 and 310 engage or otherwiseinterlock each other to form a leak-proof seal. More specifically,closure members 302 a and 302 b are respectively positioned in channels304 d and 304 c when the first closure profile 300 is engaged with thesecond closure profile 310. Likewise, closure members 302 c and 302 dare respectively positioned in channels 302 a and 302 b when the firstclosure profile 300 is engaged with the second closure profile 310. Thefirst and second closure profiles 300 and 310 may move with respect toone another while maintaining a leak-proof seal. For example, the firstand second closure profiles 300 and 310 may be pushed together such thatthe ends of one or more closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 dabut the channel wall (i.e., inner surface of the respective closureprofile) respectively associated with one or more channels 304 a, 304 b,304 c, and 304 d. As another example, the first and second closureprofiles 300 and 310 may have a force applied to them such that they arepulled away from each other. When the applied force is less than theamount of force required to disengage the first and second closureprofiles from each other, the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and302 d remain engaged thereby affording a leak proof seal.

In embodiments where the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 dhave cross-sectional shapes like hooks, the hooks may face theillustrated direction. For example, closure members 302 a and 302 c aswell as closure members 302 b and 302 d may face each other. In such anembodiment, the hooked ends on closure members 302 a and 302 c mayengage each other forming an interlock. In addition, the hooked ends onclosure members 302 b and 302 d may engage each other also forming aninterlock. These interlocks increase the amount of force required topull the first and second profiles 300 and 310 apart when in the closedposition thereby maintaining a leak-proof enclosure during applied-forceevents. In some embodiments, the hooked end angles back, toward theclosure profile from which its respective closure member protrudes. Asan example, while closure member 302 a is shown with a hookedcross-sectional shape with the hook pointing downward, the hook may, inother embodiments, point downward at an angle toward the first closureprofile 300. In such embodiments, when the closure members engage eachother, more force would be required because of the angle of the hooks.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the descriptionof the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 is based on across-sectional view. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, andguides extend the length of the first and second closure profiles 300and 310 (e.g., between the two end stops 118 and 120). Of course, oneexception to this may be embodiments employing the parking area 123,which may disrupt the continuous nature of the first and second closureprofiles 300 and 310. In some embodiments, the length of one or more ofthe closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides may extendunder the end stops 118 and 120.

In embodiments employing the parking area 123, which is depicted inFIGS. 1A-B, the parking area 123 may extend to the closure member 302 a.For example, the guide member 306 b may be removed in the parking area123 of such an embodiment. In other embodiments, the parking area 123only excludes the shoulders 308 a and 308 b (i.e., only the othershoulders 308 a and 308 b are removed). In yet other embodiments, theparking area 123 only excludes one of the shoulders 308 a or 308 b. Insuch embodiments, the parking area or notch 123, in effect, is onlypresent on one of the closure profiles (i.e., the closure profile thatexcludes the shoulder member). In yet further embodiments, the parkingarea 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 308 a and308 b.

The length of the parking area 123 may be shorter than the spreader 214of the slider 200. Such an embodiment ensures easy re-entry of thespreader between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b by keeping a portion ofthe spreader between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. For example, when inthe closed position of such an embodiment, the spreader 214 of slider200 may be partially released into the parking area 123 to ensureleak-proof performance by releasing the widest part of the spreader 214from between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. By virtue of the length ofthe parking area 123 being shorter than the spreader 214, the narrow endof the spreader 214 remains between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b. Thisensures that that spreader 214 may more readily fully enter between theshoulders 308 a and 308 b when the slider 200 is moved in the openingdirection. When the slider 200 is moved against the vertical end 125 ofthe parking area 123, the vertical end 125 (which includes the first andsecond closure profiles 300 and 310) abuts the concave section 216 ofthe spreader 214. The concave nature of section 216 ensures that theforce applied to the spreader 214 is near its centerline therebypreventing unwanted rotation along a vertical axis from the slider 200.In addition, the concave section 216 prevents the vertical end 125 fromslipping to one side of the spreader 214.

In some embodiments, the length of the parking area 123 may be longerthan the spreader 214 of the slider 200. In such an embodiment, theangle end 127 ensures easy re-entry by providing less surface contactbetween the shoulders 308 a and 308 b and the narrow end of the spreader214.

With respect to operation, the slider 200 may be movably secured to theenclosure 100 such that it operatively engages the first closure profile300 and the second closure profile 310 shown in FIG. 3. The spreader 214only engages the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 betweenthe shoulders 308 a and 308 b. Otherwise stated, the spreader 214 isonly positioned between the shoulders 308 a and 308 b, but does not passbetween any of the closure members 302 a, 302 b, 302 c, and 302 d. Nordoes the spreader 214 pass between guide member 306 a and the innersurface of the second closure profile 310 or between guide member 306 band the inner surface of the first closure profile 300. When the slider200 abuts the end stop 118 (e.g., via the edge of the top 202 facing endstop 118), the enclosure 100 is fully open. When the slider 200 abutsthe end stop 120 (e.g., via the wide end of the spreader 214 or the edgeof the top 202 facing end stop 120), the enclosure 100 is fully closedproviding leak-proof performance. In embodiments employing the parkingarea 123, the enclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proofperformance when the slider 200 is positioned in the parking areabecause the spreader 214 does not force the shoulder members 308 a and308 b outward because these elements may be excluded in the parkingarea. In embodiments employing the parking area 123 that is only presenton one of the closure profiles, the same is true. More specifically,when the slider is fully parked or otherwise adequately positioned inthe parking area, the spreader does not force the shoulder members 308 aand 308 b apart because one of the shoulder members is excluded in theparking area. In embodiments where the parking area 123 only excludesthe protruding part of the shoulders 308 a and 308 b, leak-proofperformance occurs when the slider 200 is parked or otherwise adequatelypositioned in the parking area. In such embodiments, the spreader 214may engage the shoulder members 308 a and 308 b, but because theprotruding parts of both shoulders (one shoulder in some embodiments)have been removed (i.e. reduction in width) in the parking area 123, thespreader 214 does not force the first and second closure profilesoutward enough to break the leak-proof seal (i.e., disengage theinterlock between the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310).For example, the shoulders in the parking area may simply be walls thatextend upward without any extension toward the shoulder opposite to it.

In some embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parkingarea 123 when the wide end of the spreader 214 abuts the vertical wall125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125. Inother embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area123 when the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120 abuts the verticalwall 125 or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125.

To open the entrance 102 of the enclosure 100, the slider 200 is movedaway from end stop 120 and toward end stop 118. The first and secondclosure profiles 300 and 310 pass through the slider 200 between the twosidewalls 204 and 206 and between the pinching members 218 a and 218 b.The spreader 214 travels between shoulders 308 a and 308 b. When movedin the opening direction, the pincher 218 leads with the wide end of thespreader 214 trailing. The wide end of the spreader 214 effectivelypulls the first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 simultaneouslyapart by applying an outward force to both shoulders 308 a and 308 b.The force applied to the shoulders 308 a and 308 b removes closuremembers 302 a and 302 b from their respective channels 304 d and 304 c.Likewise, the force applied to the shoulders 308 a and 308 b removesclosure members 302 c and 302 d from their respective channels 304 a and304 b.

Conversely, to close the entrance 102, the slider 200 is moved away fromend stop 118 and toward end stop 120. When moved in the closingdirection, the wide end of the spreader 214 leads with the pincher 218trailing. The pincher 218 effectively simultaneously pushes or pinchesthe first and second closure profiles 300 and 310 together to form aleak-proof seal. For example, closure members 302 a and 302 b arerespectively pushed into their respective channels 304 d and 304 c. Inaddition, closure members 302 c and 302 d are respectively pushed intotheir respect channels 304 a and 304 b. In some embodiments, theenclosure 100 produces a sound, such as a snap sound, when the slider200 is parked or has otherwise fully entered the parking area 123. Thissnap noise is caused because the spreader 214, whether it is completelyor partially in the parking area, enables both closure profiles 300 and310 to fully close. More specifically, this sound is generated when bothof the closure profiles 300 and 310 come together at end 127 of theparking area 123. In this way, the enclosure 100 includes a soundproducing element to audibly inform the user that the enclosure is fullyclosed or that the slider 200 is at the parking area 123.

With reference to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a first closure profile 400and a second closure profile 410 is shown. First and second closureprofiles 400 and 410 may be the first and second closure profiles 116and 124 depicted in FIG. 1A. The first closure profile 400 includes atleast two closure members 402 a and 402 b that protrude from the innersurface toward the second closure profile 410. In the embodiment shown,the at least two closure members 402 a and 402 b protrudeperpendicularly from the inner surface. The angle of protrusion may varyin other embodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closuremembers 402 a and 402 b may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. Inother embodiments, one or more closure members 402 a and 402 b may havea cross-sectional shape different from a hook. Between the at least twoclosure members 402 a and 402 b is a channel 404 a. Channel 404 aenables the closure members 402 a and 402 b to deflect or otherwise moveinwardly toward each other. Thus, embodiments where channel 404 a islarger or smaller would respectively enable more or less deflection ormovement between the two closure members 402 a and 402 b. Below closuremember 402 b is a guide member 406 a that perpendicularly protrudes fromthe inner surface and has a top edge that angles downward therebyforming an obtuse angle between its top edge and the inner surface. Theangle of protrusion of the guide member 406 a as well as itscross-sectional shape may vary in other embodiments. For example, insome embodiments, the guide member 406 a may protrude at an angle awayfrom the closure member 402 b. Between the closure member 402 b and theguide member 406 a is a channel 404 b. From the closure member 402 a,the closure profile 400 extends upward to form a shoulder member 408 a.In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 408 a protrudes toward theclosure profile 410, the distance of which may vary depending on thewidth of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required to pull theclosure profiles 400 and 410 apart from an interlocked state.

The second closure profile 410 includes at least two closure members 402c and 402 d that protrude from the inner surface toward the firstclosure profile 400. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closuremembers 402 c and 402 d protrude perpendicularly from the inner secondclosure profile 410. The angle of protrusion may vary in otherembodiments. In the embodiment shown, the at least two closure members402 c and 402 d may have a cross-sectional shape of a hook. In otherembodiments, one or more closure members 402 c and 402 d may have across-sectional shape different than a hook. Between the at least twoclosure members 402 c and 402 d is a channel 404 c. Channel 404 c may belarger than channel 404 b. In some embodiments channel 404 c is twicethe size of channel 404 b, from a height perspective. As shown, channel404 a opens into channel 404 c. In the embodiment shown, the secondclosure profile 410 does not have a guide member protruding therefrom.However, in other embodiments, the second closure profile 410 may haveone or more guide members protruding therefrom. From the closure member402 c, the closure profile 410 extends upward to form a shoulder member408 b. In the embodiment shown, the shoulder member 408 b protrudes atoward the closure profile 400, the distance of which may vary dependingon the width of the spreader 214 and the amount of force required topull the closure profiles 400 and 410 apart from an interlocked state.

The outside surface of each closure profile 400 and 410 may also have arail 412 a and 412 b that at least extends between end stops 118 and 120(see FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, rails 412 a and 412 b may extend tothe flexible side edges 110 and 112 under the end stops 118 and 120 (seeFIG. 1A). Also in some embodiments, the rails 312 a and 312 b may be therail 126 depicted in FIG. 1A.

Together, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 depicted inFIG. 4 have an open position and a closed position. In the openposition, the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 do notengage or otherwise interlock each other. In the closed position, thefirst and second closure profiles 400 and 410 engage or otherwiseinterlock each other to form a leak-proof seal. More specifically,closure members 402 a and 402 b are positioned in channel 404 c when thefirst closure profile 400 is engaged with the second closure profile410. Likewise, closure member 402 d is positioned in channel 404 b whenthe first closure profile 400 is engaged with the second closure profile410. The first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may move withrespect to one another while maintaining a leak-proof seal. For example,the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may be pushed togethersuch that the ends of one or more closure members 402 a, 402 b, and 402d abut the channel wall (i.e., inner surface of the respective closureprofile) respectively associated with one or more channels 404 b or 404c. In other words, closure members 402 a and 402 b may abut innersurface of the second closure profile 410 in channel 404 c whereasclosure member 402 d may abut inner surface of the first closure profile400 in channel 404 b. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, a groove414 may be formed on the inner surface inner surface of the firstclosure profile 400 as the inner surface extends from closure member 402a to the shoulder 408 a. Closure member 402 c may abut the inner surfaceof the first closure profile 400 below the groove 414 and may may alsoabut the groove 414. Groove 414 prevents unwanted upward deflection ofclosure member 402 c away from closure member 402 a. As another example,the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 may have a forceapplied to them such that they are pulled away from each other. When theapplied force is less than the amount of force required to disengage thefirst and second closure profiles from each other, the closure members402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 d remain engaged thereby affording a leakproof seal.

In embodiments where the closure members 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 dhave cross-sectional shapes like hooks, the hooks may face theillustrated direction. For example, closure members 402 a and 402 b mayface away from each other whereas closure members 402 c and 402 d mayforce toward each other. In such an embodiment, the hooked ends onclosure members 402 c and 402 a may engage each other forming aninterlock. In addition, the hooked ends on closure members 402 b and 402d may also engage each other forming an interlock. These interlocksincrease the amount of force required to pull the first and secondprofiles 400 and 410 apart when in the closed position therebymaintaining a leak-proof enclosure during applied-force events. In someembodiments, the hooked end angles back, toward the closure profile fromwhich its respective closure member protrudes. As an example, whileclosure member 402 c is shown with a hooked cross-sectional shape withthe hook pointing downward, the hook may, in other embodiments, pointdownward at an angle toward the second closure profile 410. In suchembodiments, when the closure members engage each other, more forcewould be required because of the angle of the hooks.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the second closure profile 410may include a rib member 416 that protrudes from inner surface of thesecond closure profile 410. In the embodiment shown, rib member 416 ispositioned in the channel 404 c across from the channel 404 a. The ribmember 416 increases the rigidity of the second closure profile 410along the wall region from which it protrudes. In addition, the ribmember 416 may increase the leak-proof performance by enabling theclosure members 402 a and 402 b to abut the inner surface of the secondclosure profile 410 above and below the rib member 416 as well as therib member 416. The location and size of the rib member 416 may vary inother embodiments as well as the number of rib members itself. Forexample, one embodiment may include two or more ribs that protrude frominner surface of the second closure profile 410 that are smaller orlarger in size. In such an embodiment, the closure members 402 a and 402b may abut a plurality of rib members.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the descriptionof the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 is based on across-sectional view. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, andguides extend the length of the first and second closure profiles 400and 410 (e.g., between the two end stops 118 and 120). Of course, oneexception to this may be embodiments employing the parking area 123,which may disrupt the continuous nature of the first and second closureprofiles 400 and 410. In some embodiments, the length of one or more ofthe closure members, channels, shoulders, rails, and guides may extendunder the end stops 118 and 120.

In embodiments employing the parking area 123, which is depicted inFIGS. 1A-B, the parking area 123 may extend to the closure member 402 c.For example, such an embodiment may exclude shoulders 408 a and 408 b inthe parking area 123 (i.e., only the other shoulders 408 a and 408 b areremoved). In yet other embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludesone of the shoulders 408 a or 408 b. In such embodiments, the parkingarea or notch 123, in effect, is only present on one of the closureprofiles (i.e., the closure profile that excludes the shoulder member).In yet further embodiments, the parking area 123 only excludes theprotruding part of the shoulders 408 a and 408 b.

The length of the parking area 123 may be shorter than the spreader 214of the slider 200. Such an embodiment ensures easy re-entry of thespreader between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b by keeping a portion ofthe spreader between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. For example, when inthe closed position of such an embodiment, the spreader 214 of slider200 may be partially released into the parking area 123 to ensureleak-proof performance by releasing the widest part of the spreader 214from between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. By virtue of the length ofthe parking area 123 being shorter than the spreader 214, the narrow endof the spreader 214 remains between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b. Thisensures that that spreader 214 may more readily fully enter between theshoulders 408 a and 408 b when the slider 200 is moved in the openingdirection. When the slider 200 is moved against the vertical end 125 ofthe parking area 123, the vertical end 125 (which includes the first andsecond closure profiles 400 and 410) abuts the concave section 216 ofthe spreader 214. The concave nature of section 216 ensures that theforce applied to the spreader 214 is near its centerline therebypreventing unwanted rotation along a vertical axis from the slider 200.In addition, the concave section 216 prevents the vertical end 125 fromslipping to one side of the spreader 214.

In some embodiments, the length of the parking area 123 may be longerthan the spreader 214 of the slider 200. In such an embodiment, theangle end 127 ensures easy re-entry by providing less surface contactbetween the shoulders 408 a and 408 b and the narrow end of the spreader214.

With respect to operation, the slider 200 may be movably secured to theenclosure 100 such that it operatively engages the first closure profile400 and the second closure profile 410 shown in FIG. 4. The spreader 214only engages the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 betweenthe shoulders 408 a and 408 b. Otherwise stated, the spreader 214 isonly positioned between the shoulders 408 a and 408 b, but does not passbetween any of the closure members 402 a, 402 b, 402 c, and 402 d orbetween guide member 406 a and the inner surface of the second closureprofile 410. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 118 (e.g., via theedge of the top 202 facing end stop 118), the enclosure 100 is fullyopen. When the slider 200 abuts the end stop 120 (e.g., via the wide endof the spreader 214 or the edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120), theenclosure 100 is fully closed providing leak-proof performance. Inembodiments employing the parking area 123, the enclosure 100 is fullyclosed providing leak-proof performance when the slider 200 ispositioned in the parking area because the spreader 214 does not forcethe shoulder members 408 a and 408 b outward because these elements maybe excluded in the parking area. In embodiments employing the parkingarea 123 that is only present on one of the closure profiles, the sameis true. More specifically, when the slider is fully parked or otherwiseadequately positioned in the parking area, the spreader does not forcethe shoulder members 408 a and 408 b apart because one of the shouldermembers is excluded in the parking area. In embodiments where theparking area 123 only excludes the protruding part of the shoulders 408a and 408 b, leak-proof performance occurs when the slider 200 is parkedor otherwise adequately positioned in the parking area. In suchembodiments, the spreader 214 may engage the shoulder members 408 a and408 b, but because the protruding parts of both shoulders (one shoulderin some embodiments) have been removed (i.e. reduction in width) in theparking area 123, the spreader 214 does not force the first and secondclosure profiles outward enough to break the leak-proof seal (i.e.,disengage the interlock between the first and second closure profiles300 and 310). For example, the shoulders in the parking area may simplybe walls that extend upward without any extension toward the shoulderopposite to it.

In some embodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parkingarea when the wide end of the spreader 214 abuts the vertical wall 125or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125. In otherembodiments, the slider 200 may be positioned in the parking area whenthe edge of the top 202 facing end stop 120 abuts the vertical wall 125or the end stop 120 when it serves as the vertical wall 125.

To open the entrance 102 of the enclosure 100, the slider 200 is movedaway from end stop 120 and toward end stop 118. The first and secondclosure profiles 400 and 410 pass through the slider 200 between the twosidewalls 204 and 206 and between the pinching members 218 a and 218 b.The spreader 214 travels between shoulders 408 a and 408 b. When movedin the opening direction, the pincher 218 leads with the wide end of thespreader 214 trailing. The wide end of the spreader 214 effectivelypulls the first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 simultaneouslyapart by applying an outward force to both shoulders 408 a and 408 b.The force applied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 b removes closuremembers 402 a and 402 b from the channel 404 c. Likewise, the forceapplied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 b removes closure members 402 dfrom channel 404 b. The force applied to the shoulders 408 a and 408 balso removes closure member 402 c from being positioned above closuremember 402 a.

Conversely, to close the entrance 102, the slider 200 is moved away fromend stop 118 and toward end stop 120. When moved in the closingdirection, the wide end of the spreader 214 leads with the pincher 218trailing. The pincher 218 effectively simultaneously pushes or pinchesthe first and second closure profiles 400 and 410 together to form aleak-proof seal. For example, closure members 402 a and 402 b arerespectively pushed into channel 404 c. Closure member 402 d is pushedinto channel 404 b. In addition, closure members 402 c is pushed intoposition above closure member 402 a.

In some embodiments, the enclosure 100 produces a sound, such as a snapsound, when the slider 200 is parked or has otherwise fully entered theparking area 123. This snap noise is caused because the spreader 214,whether it is completely or partially in the parking area, enables bothclosure profiles 400 and 410 to fully close. More specifically, thissound is generated when both of the closure profiles 400 and 410 cometogether at end 127 of the parking area 123. In this way, the enclosure100 includes a sound producing element to audibly inform the user thatthe enclosure is fully closed or that the slider 200 is at the parkingarea 123.

In some embodiments, the material qualities of the first and secondprofiles 400 and 410 enable the closure members 402 a and 402 b todeflect inwardly upon insertion into the channel 404 c. In addition,while closure members 402 a and 402 b are able to deflect inwardly,closure members 402 c and 402 d are able to deflect outwardly, away fromthe closure members 402 a and 402 b to further ease the insertion ofclosure members 402 a and 402 b into the channel 404 c.

The various embodiments and examples described above are provided by wayof illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimedinvention, nor the scope of the various embodiments and examples. Thoseskilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications andchanges that may be made to the claimed invention without following theexample embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein,and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimedinvention, which is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealableleak-proof enclosure, comprising: a first closure profile having alength positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop,wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member, asecond closure member, a channel between the first and second closuremembers, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guidemember below the second closure member, and a channel between the secondclosure member and the guide member; a second closure profile having alength positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein thesecond closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closuremember, a channel between the first and second closure members of thesecond closure profile, a guide member above the first closure member ofthe second closure profile, a channel between the first closure memberand the guide member of the second closure profile, and a shouldermember above the guide member of the second closure profile; and aparking area positioned between the first and second end stops, whereinthe parking area is on either the first closure profile or the secondclosure profile, wherein the parking area includes a notch that eitherincludes a reduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or theparking area includes a void space in the first closure profile or thesecond closure profile that does not interfere with any closure members;wherein, in a closed state, the first and second closure profiles areinterlocked thereby providing a leak-proof seal, and wherein, in an openstate, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is notinterlocked.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the closed state,the first closure member of the first closure profile is positioned inthe channel between the guide member and first closure member of thesecond closure profile; the second closure member of the first closureprofile is positioned in the channel between the first and secondclosure members of the second closure profile; the first closure memberof the second closure profile is positioned in the channel between thefirst and second closure profiles of the first closure profile; and thesecond closure member of the second closure profile is positioned in thechannel between the guide member and the second closure member of thefirst closure profile.
 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one or moreof the closure members, shoulder members, guide members, or channelscontinue to extend beyond the length of the first or second closureprofile above or below the first or second end stop.
 4. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the parking area is on both the first and secondclosure profiles.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising aslider being movably secured to the first and second closure profiles,wherein when moved in a first direction, the slider interlocks the firstand second closure profiles, and when moved in a second direction, theslider forces the first and second closure profiles apart.
 6. Theassembly of claim 5, wherein the slider includes a spreader that forcesthe first and second closure profiles apart except when positioned inthe parking area.
 7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the first andsecond closure profiles are attached to a bag.
 8. The assembly of claim6, wherein the first and second closure profiles produce an audiblesound when the slider is moved into the parking area.
 9. The assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second end stops include at least aportion of the shoulder members of the first and second closure profilesbeing permanently sealed together.
 10. A leak-proof slider assembly fora re-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising: a first closure profilehaving a length positioned between a first end stop and a second endstop, wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member,a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closuremembers, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guidemember below the second closure member, and a channel between the secondclosure member and the guide member; a second closure profile having alength positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein thesecond closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closuremember, a channel between the first and second closure members of thesecond closure profile, a guide member above the first closure member ofthe second closure profile, a channel between the first closure memberand the guide member of the second closure profile, and a shouldermember above the guide member of the second closure profile; andwherein, in an open state, a portion of the first and second closureprofiles is not interlocked; wherein, in a closed state, the first andsecond closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing a leak-proofseal; and wherein, in the closed state, the first closure member of thefirst closure profile is positioned in the channel between the guidemember and first closure member of the second closure profile; thesecond closure member of the first closure profile is positioned in thechannel between the first and second closure members of the secondclosure profile; the first closure member of the second closure profileis positioned in the channel between the first and second closureprofiles of the first closure profile; and the second closure member ofthe second closure profile is positioned in the channel between theguide member and the second closure member of the first closure profile.11. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising a slider being movablysecured to the first and second closure profiles, wherein when moved ina first direction, the slider interlocks the first and second closureprofiles, and when moved in a second direction, the slider forces thefirst and second closure profiles apart.
 12. The assembly of claim 11,wherein the slider includes a spreader that forces the first and secondclosure profiles apart except when positioned in the parking area. 13.The assembly of claim 12, wherein the first and second closure profilesare attached to a bag.
 14. A leak-proof slider assembly for are-sealable leak-proof enclosure, comprising: a first closure profilehaving a length positioned between a first end stop and a second endstop, wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member,a second closure member, a channel between the first and second closuremembers, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guidemember below the second closure member, and a channel between the secondclosure member and the guide member; and a second closure profile havinga length positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein thesecond closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closuremember, a channel between the first and second closure members of thesecond closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closuremember of the second closure profile; wherein, in a closed state, thefirst and second closure profiles are interlocked thereby providing aleak-proof seal, wherein, in the closed state, the first and secondclosure members of the first closure profile are positioned in thechannel between the first and second closure members of the secondclosure profile, and the second closure member is positioned in thechannel between the second closure member and the guide member of thefirst closure profile, and wherein, in an open state, a portion of thefirst and second closure profiles is not interlocked.
 15. The assemblyof claim 14, wherein the channel between the first and second closuremembers of the first closure profile is smaller than the channel betweenthe second closure member and the guide member of the first closureprofile.
 16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the channel between thefirst and second closure members of the second closure profile is largerthan the channel between the second closure member and the guide memberof the first closure profile.
 17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein oneor more of the closure members, shoulder members, guide members, orchannels continue to extend beyond the length of the first or secondclosure profile above or below the first or second end stop.
 18. Theassembly of claim 14, further comprising a parking area positionedbetween the first and second end stops, wherein the parking area is onlyon either the first closure profile or the second closure profile,wherein the parking area includes a notch that either includes areduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or the parking areaincludes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closureprofile that does not interfere with any closure members.
 19. Theassembly of claim 18, wherein the parking area is on both the first andsecond closure profiles.
 20. The assembly of claim 18, furthercomprising a slider being movably secured to the first and secondclosure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, the sliderinterlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when moved in asecond direction, the slider forces the first and second closureprofiles apart.
 21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the sliderincludes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profilesapart except when positioned in the parking area.
 22. The assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the first and second closure profiles produce anaudible sound when the slider is moved into the parking area.
 23. Theassembly of claim 14, wherein the first and second closure profiles areattached to a bag.
 24. A leak-proof slider assembly for a re-sealableleak-proof enclosure, comprising: a first closure profile having alength positioned between a first end stop and a second end stop,wherein the first closure profile includes a first closure member, asecond closure member, a channel between the first and second closuremembers, a shoulder member above the first closure member, a guidemember below the second closure member, and a channel between the secondclosure member and the guide member; a second closure profile having alength positioned between the first and second end stops, wherein thesecond closure profile includes a first closure member, a second closuremember, a channel between the first and second closure members of thesecond closure profile, and a shoulder member above the first closuremember of the second closure profile; and a parking area positionedbetween the first and second end stops, wherein the parking area is onlyon either the first closure profile or the second closure profile,wherein the parking area includes a notch that either includes areduction in width of one of the shoulder members, or the parking areaincludes a void space in the first closure profile or the second closureprofile that does not interfere with any closure members; wherein, in aclosed state, the first and second closure profiles are interlockedthereby providing a leak-proof seal, wherein, in the closed state, thefirst and second closure members of the first closure profile arepositioned in the channel between the first and second closure membersof the second closure profile, and the second closure member ispositioned in the channel between the second closure member and theguide member of the first closure profile, and wherein, in an openstate, a portion of the first and second closure profiles is notinterlocked.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the parking area ison both the first and second closure profiles.
 26. The assembly of claim25, further comprising a slider being movably secured to the first andsecond closure profiles, wherein when moved in a first direction, theslider interlocks the first and second closure profiles, and when movedin a second direction, the slider forces the first and second closureprofiles apart.
 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein the sliderincludes a spreader that forces the first and second closure profilesapart except when positioned in the parking area.